Massages South Burlington VT

Massages can be used for both pain relief or general relaxation. Many people recovering from musculoskeletal injuries will choose massage therapy for pain relief, others will use it as a way to relieve anxiety, while others will use massage to just relax. There are many different massage techniques employed, including: acupressure, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and stone massage. Here you will find additional information on Massages, as well as local companies and providers that may help you in your search.

Rub Your Pain Away

If you’ve ever rubbed your temples to ease a headache, you’ve used self-massage. “The human touch itself, fingers on the temples, forehead and back of the neck, increases blood flow and immediately sends signal to the brain to relax,” says Stephanie Whittier, LMT, CST, a New York-based licensed massage therapist.

Whittier blames technology for some of the pain people feel. “Repetitive small hand and arm movements such as typing on a computer for hours or texting information on tiny BlackBerry keys can overstimulate the nervous system,” she says. “Hunching over a keyboard creates tension in the head, neck, shoulders and upper back.” The lower body also suffers. Long-term sitting tightens hamstrings, gluteal muscles and hip flexors, which can result in lower back and hip pain.

You can start a self-massage program in the shower. “As you’re washing, spend some time using deeper strokes, squeezing muscles and releasing,” says Whittier. Try incorporating massage into your routine three to seven days a week for 10 to 15 minutes.

Warm up with some cardiovascular activity, recommends Gail Rush, CMT, LMT, director of spa operations at Nova Medical Group in Ashburn, Virginia. “Walk up and down stairs or do jumping jacks for a few minutes,” she says. Warm your hands under running water before each session. Also warm the muscles you plan to work on. A heating pad can help with most areas, while a warm washcloth draped around the neck will help loosen neck and shoulder muscles. Breathe deeply throughout the massage to help muscles relax.

Aromatherapy can help make massage more effective. Lemongrass is good for aches, rosemary helps with cramps and lavender is soothing for muscular strains. These essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or sesame seed. Use 12 drops of essential oil for each fluid ounce of carrier; if you have especially sensitive skin, use fewer drops (always test the results on a small patch of skin before using).

To spare stress on fingers and hands, use tennis balls, golf balls or tools such as the TheraCane, a device that provides deep pressure; aromatherapy massage balls; firm rubber balls; or foam rollers. “Massage balls help you focus on your body versus your own hands, which have a lot of nerve endings,” says Whittier. Never rub to the point of pain. (If you have a pre-existing condition find a licensed massage therapist through the American Massage Therapy Association, www.amtamassage.org .)

Try these massages every day or whenever you feel muscle tightness:

Head and neck: Squeeze and release the muscle between your head and shoulder as you shrug or rotate the shoulder. Or use a single finger or the TheraCane to apply pressure to a sore spot for 20 to 30 seconds. Release and repeat until the muscle relaxes.

Rubbed the Right Way

Rubbed the Right Way

The questions to ask if you’re looking for a massage therapist.

January 2009

The chronic pain in Kirby Thompson’s neck and back started with an accident when he was a teenager and worsened with time. “I saw orthopedists but they could only offer me medicine,” says the Seaford, New York social worker, now 54. “Chiropractic offered some relief but I had to go two or three times a week.”

Thompson went for professional massages on occasion, and they were helpful. But then he found his current therapist—Kristen Sykora, LMT, of Hands Down Physical Arts in Wantagh, New York—and now he couldn’t be happier. “I enjoy it so much that I’m motivated to go every week,” Thomp­son says. “I’m so much better than I ever was before. I’ve recommended Kristen to several people.”

Thompson is just one of the 39 million adults who get at least one massage a year, according to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork ( www.ncbtmb.org ). Besides providing pain relief, massage helps ease stress and reduce blood pressure, among other health benefits. The trick is finding the right therapist for you.

Suitable Styles What complicates the search for a therapist are the many definitions of “massage.” The rubbing and tapping form most people know is called Swedish massage; in sports massage, the therapist blends Swedish techniques with such practices as icing and compression. Both types of massage are just two of more than two dozen, including:

• Trigger Point—releases pain by compressing hypersensitive points in the muscles, fascia and other tissues

Not all massage styles are suitable for all conditions and not all massage therapists are trained in all styles, so ask any prospective therapist what styles he or she practices. For instance, Sykora uses Myofascial Release on people, like Thompson, who are in chronic pain resulting from trauma—no surprise for someone who came to her present profession after receiving massage following a dance injury. One way to find a therapist is to use the locator service at the American Massage Therapy Association’s website, www.amtamassage.org, where each person’s specialties are listed. But don’t discount word of mouth—people who are satisfied with their therapists are generally glad to share the news.

The Right Question You and the therapist should speak on the phone before your first office visit. Brenda L. Griffith, NCTMB, who practices in Richmond, Virginia, suggests asking the following questions: “What kind of training do you have? Are you certified ...

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